Is Garden Ops Split Screen? A Detailed Guide to Plants vs. Zombies Co-op Fun
The short answer is: Yes, Garden Ops is split screen in several Plants vs. Zombies titles, offering a fantastic way to enjoy cooperative gameplay with a friend on the same console. However, the availability of split-screen in Garden Ops depends heavily on the specific Plants vs. Zombies game you’re playing and the platform. This article dives deep into the split-screen capabilities of various PvZ games, particularly focusing on Garden Ops, and provides answers to common questions you may have.
Garden Ops Split Screen Capabilities Across Different Games
Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare
The original Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare was a significant step into the third-person shooter genre for the franchise. This title does feature split-screen functionality, allowing two players to team up locally in various modes, including Garden Ops. This is available on Xbox One and PS4. However, the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions do not support split-screen.
Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2
Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 also fully embraces split-screen co-op. Players can readily access split-screen Garden Ops by finding the designated split-screen console within the game’s hub area, the Backyard Battleground. This feature allows two players to join forces against waves of AI enemies on both PS4 and Xbox One. This game also has a Solo Ops mode, allowing you to play Garden Ops by yourself.
Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville
Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville carries on the split-screen tradition for consoles. On PS4 and Xbox One, players can easily engage in split-screen couch co-op across various modes, which includes the equivalent to the Garden Ops mode. Note that split-screen is not available on PC. This entry also introduced new “Team Play” characters, which add to the cooperative dynamics.
How to Activate Split Screen in Garden Ops
Activating split screen in these games is generally straightforward:
- Ensure the main player (Player 1) is logged in with the account that purchased the game.
- Power on a second controller and log in with a second account. (This account does not need to own the game itself, but cannot be a guest account).
- In Garden Warfare 2, find the split-screen console in the Backyard Battleground of the respective plant or zombie hub. Interact with it.
- In Battle for Neighborville, the second player should press the designated button (typically SQUARE on PlayStation or X on Xbox) once the main player is already in the game’s hub.
- Once the 2nd player is activated, you should see the screen split, and you are ready to play!
Platforms and Availability
It’s essential to note that split-screen availability is console-focused. While the PvZ franchise has expanded onto other platforms, PC and Nintendo Switch versions of these games generally do not support local split-screen. The Nintendo Switch versions require separate consoles and copies of the game for multiplayer.
Additional Points on Local Co-op
Aside from split-screen Garden Ops, remember that the local multiplayer in these games can often extend beyond simple co-op. Many entries offer options for local versus matches as well. The flexibility of playing with a friend sitting next to you remains a core part of the appeal of these PvZ titles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which Plants vs. Zombies games feature split-screen Garden Ops?
Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare, Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2, and Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville all feature split-screen Garden Ops or an equivalent co-op mode on PS4 and Xbox One.
2. Does the PC version of any of these games have split-screen?
No, none of the PC versions of the Garden Warfare or Battle for Neighborville games offer split-screen support.
3. Can I play split-screen on the PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360?
Unfortunately, split-screen is not available on PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 versions of Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare.
4. Do I need an internet connection to play split-screen?
While an internet connection is not required for the basic split-screen play in PvZ Garden Warfare 2, you do need an internet connection to play the game at all, including offline play.
5. Can I play with another player online and split-screen at the same time?
No, split-screen is a local co-op option, and you cannot combine it with online play on the same console. You can either play with a local friend in split-screen or with online players.
6. How many players can play Garden Ops in split-screen?
Two players can play in split-screen on consoles.
7. Can a guest account join a split-screen game?
No, a guest account cannot join a split-screen game. You need a second account, though the second account doesn’t need to have purchased the game.
8. Is there a single-player option for Garden Ops?
Yes, Garden Warfare 2 has a Solo Ops mode allowing you to experience Garden Ops alone.
9. Where do I activate split-screen in Garden Warfare 2?
You activate split-screen using the split-screen console in the Backyard Battleground of the plant or zombie hub.
10. Can I play the campaign in split-screen?
The story mode is typically single-player only, but Garden Ops and other co-op modes can be played in split-screen.
11. Is split-screen available on Nintendo Switch?
No, split-screen is not available on Nintendo Switch. For multiplayer on that platform, each player needs their own console and copy of the game.
12. Can I do split-screen in any mode?
While the ability to do split-screen varies between modes, you can generally play Garden Ops or the equivalent in each game, as well as other modes, in split screen.
13. Does Garden Warfare 1 have Boss Mode in split-screen?
Boss Mode was available on the Xbox One with Kinect or SmartGlass, but not split-screen per se. However, you can play Garden Ops in split-screen on PS4 and Xbox One.
14. What are the advantages of playing Garden Ops in split-screen?
Playing Garden Ops in split-screen is ideal for playing with a friend on the same console. It offers a chance to coordinate your strategies against hordes of AI opponents and creates a fantastic co-op gaming experience.
15. How is the split-screen experience overall in these games?
The split-screen experience is generally smooth and enjoyable on consoles, allowing players to easily engage in local co-op.
Conclusion
Garden Ops in the Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare and Battle for Neighborville games is a highlight for many players, and the ability to play it with a friend in split-screen adds to the fun. While not available on all platforms, the PS4 and Xbox One versions offer a great local cooperative experience. Hopefully this article has provided a comprehensive answer to the question, “Is Garden Ops split screen?” and equipped you with the information needed to dive into some PvZ split-screen co-op fun!